It was an application of the Biblical injunction of heaping coals of fire, but it is doubtful if the boys thought of it in that light.
“Come on!” cried Bart. He began to take off his skates, and his chums followed his example. Then, to the great surprise of Sandy, they began to help him move the bags away so they could get at the sled.
“Say—say—fellows—” began Sandy, as the thought of his own mean conduct, that day on the road, came to him. “Say—I don’t deserve this. I’m—”
“You dry up!” commanded Bart.
CHAPTER IX
SANTA CLAUS IN SCHOOL
The four chums pitched in with a will and helped Sandy. They did not talk much, for, take it all in all, it was rather an embarrassing situation. Sandy did not know what to say, and the boys did not feel like entering into friendly conversation.
They did not care to be sociable with Sandy after what he had done, not only in regard to refusing them a ride, but in the matter of the oil barge. But they could not see anyone in such a plight as Sandy was, through no fault of his own, and not render assistance.